1G03 



m\im 



mmMKfM< 




Gass L^^jl 
Book'/ tb^/ 



/f03 



HENRY TROTH 






ioof 



loWi.d 



'""III ii - , 







HENRY TROTH 



Sept. 4, 1794 
May 22, 1842 



^ 



^C^ Cv-nrv i.\<s\ I -r o tV, 



'That life is long which answers life's great end." 



PHILADELPHIA 

PRIVATELY PRINTED 

1903 



PREFACE. 



During several years of historical and genealogical 
interest considerable data has come into my possession 
connected with the life of my father. Much of this will 
probably be lost and all so scattered by my death that, at 
the solicitation of the younger generation, I have gathered 
into book form such matter as may be of historical value, 
that the descendants of a worthy ancestor may the better 
know him and learn to love him for his virtues. He has left 
them an inheritance of greater value than riches, a name 
unsullied to keep pure, an enviable reputation as their title 
of inherited rank, and a bright example of self-help to copy, 
A man " sans peur et sans reproche." 

Philadelphia, March 2, 1903. 

Samuel Troth. 




Iii;M:v TiioTU. Fniiii ii MmiatiirL', by F. Ui-nri. 



HENRY TROTH. 



Henry Troth of Philadelphia, 1 794-1 842 ; only forty- 
eight years in all ; a short, busy life, soon passed, but great 
in purpose and enduring in beneficence. 

His great-great-grandfather, William Troth, settled in 1669 
in Talbot County, Maryland, on a plantation which he named, 
and is so called upon the official Deed Book, "Troth's 
Fortune," lying upon the river Choptank, near Chesapeake 
Bay. The little we now know of him has been gathered 
from the published volumes of " Maryland Archives," as he 
was connected with public affairs, and from the records of 
the Society of Friends, of which he was a member. 

The Maryland colony at the time of his coming into it was 
yet young and sparsely settled except along the navigable 
waterways. Indian occupancy was gradually surrendering 
to the white man's control, but with less complete separation in 
Maryland and Virginia than in other North American colo- 
nies by reason of conditions existing among the aborigines 
peculiar to that locality. The Indians of Virginia and Mary- 
land, as found by the first English settlers, were agriculturists 
as well as hunters ; they had permanent villages, styled by 
the whites Indian towns, governed in semi-civilized fashion by 
so-called emperors. The land bordering upon their towns 
was cultivated, and crops of Indian corn grown for food and 
tobacco for smoking in pipes. At times in the early days the 
whites were dependent upon Indian-raised corn for their 

7 



HENRY TROTH. 



food-supply, and these friendly Indians frequently sought the 
white man's alliance to protect them from the hostile incur- 
sions of foreign nomad tribes. Thus for many years the two 
nationalities lived amicably as neighbors, interrupted occa- 
sionally by differences not uncommon among civilized com- 
munities. A graphic account published in one of the volumes 
of " Maryland Archives " gives a picture of early colonial 
life by an incident connected with the early Troth family 
which assumed importance sufficient for recognition by the 
Proprietary Government. 

In the winter of 1683, while absent from his dwelling, an 
Indian in company with two white neighbors had taken tem- 
porary shelter from the cold by the kitchen fire. When the 
master of the house returned one of the neighbors told him 
of the red man's boast that a large number of the Seneca 
tribe on the war-path were near at hand and at his call would 
attack the farm-house. William addressed him in Indian dia- 
lect, and on his reassertion of the threat denounced him, at 
which the Indian jumped up, gave his war-whoop, and made 
an attack, first with his gun, which William evaded, the bullet 
passing over his head, and then attempted to brain him with 
his tomahawk, but William got the better of him and shot 
him as he fled from the house. When the news of the affair 
reached the authorities they made search for a wounded Indian 
among the Indian towns, and notwithstanding the attempt by 
the town governors to excuse their people and shield the 
culprit, he was arrested and, when sufficiently cured of his 
wounds, was tried by the Court and sentenced to be ban- 
ished beyond the seas ; but at the urgent solicitation of his 
government it was agreed that he should be publicly whipped 
and allowed to remain under bond of the Indian governors 
that their subjects should keep the peace toward the English 
setders. This incident may give an idea of the hardship of 



HENRY TROTH. 



pioneer life, especially as the narrative notes the fact of the 
wife of William Troth suffering from illness in a room adjoin- 
ing that in which the scrimmage occurred. 

The ancestors of Henry Troth were among the earliest 
settlers of the country. Those from England settling first in 
Virginia were Berry, 1632; Preston, 1635; Stevens, 1650; 
Powell, 1653; and Kinsey, 1655. In Maryland, Skillington, 
1659 ; Sherwood, 1661 ; Troth, 1669 ; Johns, 1670; and Bart- 
lett, 1692. In Pennsylvania, Paschall, 1682. Those from Wales 
were William Jenkins and Rees ap John ap William, in Penn- 
sylvania, 16S2. Thus, as far as we know, he was solely of 
British extraction. = 

Richard Preston, planter, was a member of Virginia As- 
sembly In 1646, and left that colony for Maryland, with others 
of the Puritan Church of Nansemond County, in 1650 on 
account of persecution by Governor Berkley of Virginia for 
non-conformity to Church of England worship. Howell 
Powell, merchant, first settled in Lancaster County, Virginia, 
on the Rappahannock River, and he with his neighbor, Hugh 
Kinsey, went to Maryland in 1659. Richard Johns, from 
Bristol, Thomas Bardett, from Yorkshire, and Hugh Sher- 
wood came direct to Maryland. Thomas Paschall, from Bris- 
tol, William Jenkins, from Tenby, and Rees John William, 
from Merionethshire, came with the "Welsh Tract" settlers 
to Pennsylvania ; so by physical constitution Henry Troth 
was a true-blood native American as old as his country. His 
progenitors were those who broke away from old-country ties 
and came as pioneers to fashion a civilization out of the 
rough material of an embryo republic, a government of the 
people, with liberty to worship according to conscience and 
secure to themselves rights of property which had been cur- 
tailed by the authorities to which they had been subject. Of 
these fourteen ancestors, eight held office In the new colonies. 



lO HENRY TROTH. 



Nine were of the Enfrlish Church on their advent to the new 
world, one of whom, Richard Preston, joined the Puritan 
Church before going to Maryland. Five were Quakers in 
the old country and six became Quakers in the new, leaving 
two, Hugh Sherwood and Hugh Kinsey, who retained con- 
formity to the Church of England. Eleven were landholders 
in Maryland and three in Pennsylvania. 

The wife of Rees John William, granddaughter of Griffith 
ap Rhys, is said to have been descended from King John of 
England through Henry III. and Edward I., but the streak 
of royal blue blood had become so attenuated through 
twenty-five generations and intermixed with good red cor- 
puscle that our hardy Maryland yeomanry had no innate 
consciousness of a royal pedigree, only discovered in late 
years by family historians. 

Colonel John Sherwood, son of Hugh Sherwood and great- 
great-grandfather of Henry Troth, was the only military man 
in the direct line. William Troth was appointed in 1694 
Press Master for Bolingbroke Hundred, Talbot County, 
Maryland, under an Act of Assembly requiring the County 
Commissioners " to appoint honest and substantial men of 
their Counties, for every hundred, to be Press Masters for 
the year ensuing, that, if occasion require, they and no other 
shall Impress Victuals or other things given them in charge 
to Press, etc." This office was probably considered more 
as a civil than a military authority, as it was by legislation to 
protect the people against unjust military exactions. 

In the Maryland Quaker community families intermarried 
within their religious lines, it being considered an offense 
against their discipline to marr)' one not a member of their 
own denomination ; thus none of the ancestors except Colonel 
John Sherwood is recorded as having served their country in 
a military capacity. 



HENRY TROTH. ii 



Although Maryland planters were dependent upon negro 
labor in field and household, religious convictions impelled 
the Quakers to free their slaves, and all of Henry's Quaker 
ancestors gave freedom to their servants without compensa- 
tion in any form, and in lieu thereof employed hired help ; 
nor did they wait until the denominational authorities had 
become convinced of the injustice of slavery to the extent 
of expelling from membership those who refused to make 
the sacrifice, a severity that caused many families, especially 
upon the western shore of the Chesapeake, to renounce their 
old faith and join the Church of England. 

In such an atmosphere, by heredity and education, the boy 
imbibed the spirit of conscience, honesty, fair-play, and self- 
dependence, laying a foundation which made the man a fear- 
less leader in good works and one beloved and respected by 
his associates. 

Henry Troth was born September 4, 1794, at "Wood- 
stock," a plantation upon Miles or Saint Michael's River, a 
few miles from Easton, the county-town of Talbot. As the 
elder son he early assumed responsibility in the ordinary 
cares of a country household, subject to the discipline and 
training of a godly father, part of whose time was spent as a 
school-teacher of the neighboring youth. Allusion to this 
boyhood period is made in his diary, written in later life, as 
follows : 

"Accompanied by Sam'l T. Kemp we soon arrived at the 
border of the old place, but alas, how changed the face of 
things ! seven years had elapsed since I took my last view of 
the old mansion where first the light of day dawned upon my 
infant eyes. Every object that presented itself to my view 
seemed as thouQ;h it were an old friend whose sight broucrht 
to my remembrance some interesting event and recorded 
the history of former days ; how great has been the change 



12 HENRY TROTH. 



I have undergone since those days when with bow and arrows 
and a Hght heart I wandered o'er those deHghtful scenes. I 
returned to Easton fully resolved that if I ever became 
possessed of wealth I would appropriate a portion to the 
purchase and improvement of the farm." 

Between "Woodstock," at Miles River, and "Troth's 
Fortune," on Choptank, he spent the first thirteen years with 
his parents, a younger brother, and four sisters, but about this 
time a number of his relatives and their neighbors went up 
to Tioga County, Pennsylvania, intending to establish a 
colony in that new country, and the lad persuaded his parents 
to allow him to accompany the party, probably the older ones 
thinking he would soon tire and return ; but not so, he re- 
mained three years, enduring the hardships of frontier life, 
learning lessons from the great book of nature, and gaining 
an education in practical expediency unattainable from text- 
books or college professors. Often in after years he enter- 
tained his children with thrilling accounts of bears and deer 
and many wild woods experiences. The cold winters of 
northern Pennsylvania to those accustomed to the w^armer 
climate of southern Maryland were doubtless hard to bear, 
but those three years of roughing it strengthened him 
physically and gave early evidence of unusual grit in one so 
young. Up there in the wilds, away from civilizing oppor- 
tunities, at the age of sixteen his aspiration for betterment 
led him to Philadelphia, where he commenced a five years' 
apprenticeship to learn the drug trade with Jeremiah Morris, 
located on the north side of Market Street above Seventh. 

As Mr. Morris was rather averse to the drudgery of a 
retail drugstore, the boy, by his intense determination to 
learn, soon attained a position of active responsibility and 
complete confidential relation to his master, who was ever 
ready to facilitate the desire of the apprentice to gain also 




i^C^y-y^^ ^ ^rxrZ^J 



Hfury Truth in lIoyhoiHl, with Si^iiHtiire. 
From a Silhouette. 



HENRY TROTH. 1 3 



useful knowledge upon general subjects of popular interest. 
To this end a brother of Mr. Morris allowed the use of his 
valuable library, and this, supplemented by those which were 
purchased (and, after reading, sold to provide a new lot), 
furnished mental food to the hungry boy. His taste for 
reading led to the accumulation of a fine private library, for 
which he designed his book plate, engraved by Samuel Tiller 
of Philadelphia about 1828. It represents a reader sitting 
with closed book in hand in a posture of meditation. Two 
couplets indicate the value of reflection in developing mental 
activity. The surroundings picture the parlor of the Girard 
Street home, showing one of his book-cases, which is still 
retained in the family. Of this long apprenticeship the diary 
recounts under date 181 5, 3rd month, 2gth : " The time for my 
departure draws near ; four years and upwards have elapsed 
since I first became a resident of this house ; many pleasant 
and many painful hours have I passed within its walls ; it has 
been the scene of my cogitations and studies ; I have become 
familiar with solitude ; here have I learned to converse with 
my own mind ; books have been a never-failing source of 
amusement and instruction ; with them I have passed many 
a lonely hour in sweet enjoyment. My solitude has been 
solaced in the pursuit of knowledge, and, instead of being 
an object of dread, has been prized as an inestimable jewel. 
When I first came to the store my acquaintances were few, 
from which cause I was driven to the necessity of reading 
and studying to employ my leisure hours, but my circle of 
acquaintances has gradually extended, and I now hope I have 
friends that will continue so through life. As for the pro- 
priety of my learning the drug business I cannot for a moment 
doubt ; it is congenial to my disposition, and I hope will 
always be so. As for the situation I have been in, I feel dis- 
posed to believe that, upon the whole, it has been best for 



14 HENRY TROTH. 



me. At times it has been irksome, but as a compensation I 
have enjoyed many pleasant hours and have seen much of 
the world which I should not have seen had I been placed 
with Friends. The human heart has been unfolded to me 
in a variety of forms, and I have learned to take care of my- 
self by marking the errors and miscarriages of others." 

September 29, 18 13, he, with Jos. A. Needles, Benj. M. 
Hollinshead, Peter Thompson, Jos. Cowperthwait, Edward 
Haydock, Warwick P. Miller, Samuel Stackhouse, Thomas 
Yardley, Watson Jenks, and James Hutchinson, inaugurated 
the " Philadelphia Literary Association." This society, in 
which he became an active worker during many years of 
educational influence, numbered in its membership some of 
the prominent men of civic affairs in the history of Phila- 
delphia at a time when an unselfish patriotic spirit on the 
part of its officials was more in vogue than obtained in later 
years. His voluminous diary records much of interest dur- 
ing the apprenticeship, giving account of associates and their 
doings, and of books read, with analytic description, com- 
ments, and opinions. 

Living at this time in Union Street with their aunt, 
Hannah Osborne, were two daughters of Elizabeth Henri, a 
daughter of Captain Peter Osborne, who had been lost at 
sea in a storm off Hatteras coast in September, 1775. Cap- 
tain Peter Osborne left a widow and six young daughters, 
one of whom, at the age of sixteen, married Peter Henri, a 
french miniature painter. 

In 9th month, 24th, 1S14, he writes : "This evening was 
spent in rather a new and uncommon manner for me, for 
though I have often been in company with the two Misses 
Henri, yet I never had the pleasure of spending an evening 
with them alone until now ; they were both very sociable 
and clever, so much so that on rapping at the door I had 



HENRY TROTH. 1 5 



predetermined to remain but one hour, yet so fascinating was 
their company that I did not bid them good-night until the 
watchmen were about to proclaim the hour of ten." 

Nearing the date of his freedom he became anxious to 
engage in business for himself, and wrote this letter to his 
father at Easton, Maryland, ist month, 15th, 181 5: "Dear 
father. As my time with Jeremiah Morris is drawing to a 
close and the period at which I am to enter into the world on 
my own account is fast approaching, I cannot but feel great 
anxiety of mind on contemplating the importance of the 
crisis that is so near at hand. It is a time of life that calls 
for energy and good judgment from all, but particularly from 
those like me who are living among strangers and have little 
to depend upon but their own e.xertions. But though I am 
fully sensible that my future prosperity is to depend upon 
my own good conduct, yet I cannot but feel more than ever 
the necessity of advice. Though destitute at present of all 
rational means of getting into business on my own account, 
yet I am not entirely without hope that something will occur 
to assist me, though I must confess that such a hope has no 
reasonable foundation. I have considered my situation in all 
its different lights and viewed the advantages and disadvan- 
tages attendant on establishing myself in different places, 
and after mature deliberation I find no place that seems to 
possess so many advantages as this city. However agree- 
able it would be to me to settle amidst my relations and 
acquaintances in Easton or its vicinity, yet I think such a pro- 
cedure would not be advisable, as there are already two 
druo-o-ists in Easton. A well-conducted drugstore in some 
one of the flourishing towns in the western secton of this 
state, in Kentucky, or Ohio would no doubt be a lucrative 
establishment, but to accomplish such a measure several 
hundred dollars must necessarily be thrown away in travel- 



I 6 HENRY TROTH. 



ling expenses and also a considerable sum in freight of goods, 
&c., independent of the cost of the stock. There seems 
also to be something extremely disagreeable in the idea of 
leaving all my relations and acquaintances and going among 
entire strangers to reside. Here, on the contrary, no un- 
necessary expense would be incurred in going into business, 
and here also I have a little circle of acquaintances that 
tends to make my time pass more agreeably than it other- 
wise would ; independent of which I am extensively ac- 
quainted with merchants, manufacturers, and tradesmen, 
many of whom would give me their custom were I in 
business. 

"Admitting then that it would be best for me to settle in 
this place, the question follows, how am I to accomplish this 
desirable end ? In answer to this question I will endeavor to 
give thee as circumstantial an account as possible, previously 
observing, however, that if I should live I am resolved to use 
every possible exertion of which I am able to get into busi- 
ness on my own account in the course of this present year, 
as the thought of spending the flower of my youth in living 
from hand to mouth on a small salary and be subject to the 
command of another seems inconsistent with reason and my 
own disposition. There are two ways of going into business, 
either singly or in partnership with another; could I meet 
with a suitable person with a capital willing to join me I 
should think myself fortunate, but I fear none such will offer, 
and it would be presumption in me to propose myself in my 
present condition to such an one unless I had an equivalent 
to offer, though if I had, I think a suitable partner could be 
found. In case of commencing business alone it is indis- 
pensably requisite that I should have a few hundred dollars 
in ready money, without which I fear it would be impossible, 
even on the smallest scale. The sum, then, of a few hun- 



HENRY TROTH. 17 



dred dollars is now what I am desirous of obtaining on loan ; 
if by any means it could be procured for me in Maryland I 
would be very much pleased. J. Morris's store, with a capital 
of about 4000 dollars, has, notwithstanding dull times, yielded 
him from 2500 to 3000 dollars per year for the four years that 
I have been with him, and this, too, in the possession of one 
who is very much averse to packing a box or even soiling his 
fingers with medicine. If I could get fairly into business at a 
good stand I have the most sanguine hopes of success, as I 
am already acquainted with many country merchants, some 
of whom have promised me their custom should I be so 
fortunate as to get into business, several of them from 
Brownsville, acquaintances of my uncle Henry and cousin 
William Troth. I have thus laid open my mind, which I 
hope will not be unsatisfactory to thee ; if thee approves of 
it I would be extremely glad to have thy opinion on the sub- 
ject through the means of a letter which can be sent by mail 
if no other opportunity offers." As bearing upon the occa- 
sion of the letter to his father the diary records, ist month, 
2 1 St, 1 81 5: "The events of this week (if the result should 
be as we expect) will be remembered (whether with joy or 
sorrow is yet uncertain) as long as life lasts. A new era 
appears to be opening upon me. Oh ! may Providence, in His 
infinite goodness, grant that I may never repent of this 
measure. Oh ! may He preserve me from the snares and 
temptations of business, and if it be His gracious will to 
crown my efforts with success may I be thankful for His pro- 
tection and assistance. 

" 10 o'clock at night : Again all is uncertainty. 

" 1st month, 22nd : The prospect I had of speedily going 
into business with E. Needles appears for the present to be 
done away. Such is the uncertainty of human affairs ; at 
one time we thought the event certain, but through the ob- 



1 8 HENRY TROTH. 



stinancy and perversity of J. L. it was broken off and now 
remains in statu qjio. 

" 2nd month, 19th: The important question respecting a 
setdement at No. 222 Market Street remains undecided and 
I am yet in suspense. My prospects of success in life, 
should this event take place, seems much more certain 
since the conclusion of peace ; however I must have patience 
and remember my creed, viz., that whatever unavoidable 
occurrences take place in respect to ourselves should be 
considered as all for the best, therefore if I do not get estab- 
lished at this place I must console myself with this doctrine. 

"3rd month, 1 2th: At length the great and important 
subject has been decided ; Third Day morning we waited 
upon J. L. and made the contemplated arrangement with 
him." 

While on a visit to his Maryland home, previous to en- 
gaging in business, under date 9th month, loth, 1814, he 
records in his diary : " Rambling about gunning and crab- 
bing with Sam'l T. Kemp, we soon caught as many crabs as 
we wanted. About noon a British friofate came in sitrht and 
stood up the bay ; off uncle Kemp's she captured an Ameri- 
can vessel. Soon after the British fleet of twenty-five 
seventy-fours and frigates and ten smaller vessels passed by 
us in full view under a press of sail. The sight was majes- 
tically grand, far more than any of the kind I have before 
seen. They came one after another and formed a string 
nearly a mile in length. This was on Seventh Day and on 
Second Day morning they attacked Baltimore." 

As following upon the events recited in the diar)', Henry 
Troth, on the first day of April, 181 5, being then twenty 
years and some months of age, formed a partnership under 
the firm name of Henry Troth & Co., wholesale druggists, at 
222 Market Street, with his brother-in-law, Edward Needles, 




Murkt't Street Store. "Id muulier. '224. new miiiilier, 1)30. 
I'l.im l'h..tiii;rHi.li, ls»s. 



HENRY TROTH. ig 



the husband of his sister Elizabeth, each to have equal share 
of profits. On the first of January, 1820, the conditions 
were changed so that Henry should have four-sevenths, and 
January ist, 1823, Henry's younger brother, Samuel F., was 
admitted as a partner, drawing fifteen per cent. Feb. ist, 
1826, Samuel F. Troth purchased the interest of Edward 
Needles for " the sum of twelve thousand dollars, secured to 

E. Needles by a judgment bond signed by Henry Troth and 
Samuel F. Troth, Henry Troth signing said bond of Samuel 

F. Troth as security, and a further sum of four thousand five 
hundred dollars to be paid by Samuel F. Troth to Edward 
Needles in lieu of interest, Samuel F. Troth relinquishing 
the station heretofore held by him in the firm and in future 
receiving three-sevenths of the profits, except the Iron 
Works, in which he shall have an equal interest." 

November 29, 18 16, Henry Troth was married to Henri- 
etta Henri, in Philadelphia, by Alderman Samuel Badger, at 
his office, southwest corner of Sixth and Sansom Streets. 
The marriage certificate with the names of witnesses en- 
dorsed on its back is in the possession of his son, Samuel 
Troth, of Philadephia. No one of his immediate family was 
present at the wedding ceremony, which may seem strange 
to those unacquainted with the conditions connected with the 
contracting parties. He and all of his family were members 
of the Society of Friends ; he, having brought a church letter 
dated 6th month, 24th, 18 13, from the Meeting in Mary-land 
to that of Philadelphia, was a member of the Philadelphia 
Meeting, while the parents of Henrietta Henri, having been 
married by Rev. Ashbel Green, of the Second Presbyterian 
Church, December 18, 1789, recorded in said Church 
Register, their daughter was not a member, therefore could 
not be married by the authority of the society, nor did the 
Friends' discipline allow its members, his family being such, 



20 HENRY TROTH. 



to be present at a marriage with one outside of their 
society. 

In consequence of this marriage the following record is 
upon the Register of the Men's Minutes of the Philadelphia 
Meeting, in volume marked 1 807-1 8 19, at their library, Arch 
and Third Streets : 

"Monthly Meeting, 5th month, 29th, 18 17. 

" Henry Troth, who had a right of membership amongst 
us, hath accomplished his marriage contrary to our discipline 
with a person not in membership with us, on which account 
he hath been visited, but not appearing qualified to condemn 
his deviation we no longer consider him a member of our 
religious society, yet nevertheless desire that he may be en- 
abled to seek for restoration." 

His wife at that time was only a few months older than he, 
but her experience in household affairs and in having had 
control under the Lancastrian System of a large number of 
pupils in the Ludwick School, on Walnut near Sixth Street, 
had fitted her to help and share the burdens of this am- 
bitious young man in undertaking household responsibilities 
with such scant means at the outset. 

A brave couple just turned of twenty-one years, de- 
termined with the help of Providence to succeed ; and well 
they did, as their grateful children can testify, and many 
others who were beneficiaries of their numerous liberalities. 

Ordinarily one with so great need of concentrated effort 
to promote the comfort of his own family might be excused 
from eneasfinsf in outside interests and leave the labor of 
assisting others to those who could better afford to neglect 
their own affairs, but not so with this man. He soon became 
interested in charitable and social improvement movements. 
In 1819 we find him elected to serve in the "Pennsylvania 
Society for the Promotion of Public Economy " and appointed 



[ ywawTnmn,TTr.iir],i.ij» ii,u i i Wi ii i i i i W 








i>5 < ■ t 




HENRY TROTH. 21 

on the Committee on " Vice and Immorality" in connection 
with the following members : Thomas Latimer, Jacob Justice, 
John Claxton, Anthony M. Buckley, Samuel L. Shober, 
William Flintham, Philip Garrett, James Stewart, Samuel 
Sellers, John More, and Samuel J. Robbins ; in 1820 his 
committee associates were about the same, with the addition 
of General John Steele, President of the society, and Mathew 
Carey. This society did a great work in the correction of 
current abuses in city life, having large committees on " Poor 
Laws," "Elections," "Public Prisons," "Public Schools," and 
"Domestic Economy." His brother-in-law, Edward Needles, 
was an active member of the " Pennsylvania Society for 
Promoting the Abolition of Slavery"; at the time of the 
attack by the mob upon and burning of Pennsylvania Hall, 
his residence and person were also threatened ; probably 
through his influence Henry was induced to assume the re- 
sponsibility of the treasurer's office, which he held for thirteen 
years. 

From 1825 he was a manager of the Schuylkill Naviga- 
tion Company, and in 1827, at the time of the organization 
of the Philadelphia House of Refuge, he became a director 
and continued his services until his death in 1842. As a fire- 
fighter in the early days of volunteer fire companies he was 
Vice-President of the Harmony Fire Company. He was 
one of the Guardians of the Poor, manager of the Children's 
Asylum, Almshouse, Provident Society, Colonization Society, 
trustee and manager of the Philadelphia Museum, manager 
of Franklin Institute, and one of the Councillors of the 
Infant School. Fond of company and social entertainment, 
he became an active member of the Wednesday Evening 
Party Association, a club of a similar character to the older 
Wistar Party Organization. 

Each member of the Wednesday Evening Party had the 



22 HENRY TROTH. 



privilege of inviting a guest of the evening, and upon one 
occasion his early associate, Benjamin M. Hollinshead, mer- 
chant of Philadelphia, indited an acceptance (in 1840) in 
verses which give prominence to traits of character of some 
of the party members : 

"Be assured, my dear friend, I will promptly repair 
To your banquet, for taste and refinement are there. 
Good humor will sparkle in Dunglison' s ' eye, 
And Patterson' s'' keenly-barbed arrows will fly. 
There is Zcw/s," whose laugh a splenetic would move, 
As jovial as Bacchus and fearless as Jove. 
But where is my friend'' who at four score and five 
Is to all the warm feelings of boyhood alive ? 
I behold him surrounded by listeners, and now 
Contentment and peace seem to rest on his brow. 
In vain have I searched our friend Nuttall^ to find, 
Retiring and modest, yet giant in mind ; 
In the fireside circle, reclining at ease, 
He attracts every eye without effort to please. 
Here's my early friend Troth,^ in statistical fact 
Even Hazard himself is not more exact. 
Though rarely like poets his ecstasy moved, 
As a citizen useful and companion beloved. 
And now noble Coles'' I will take by the hand, 
Intelligent, warm-hearted, social, and bland. 
Ah, ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! there is BiJdle," at last. 
As smiling as though every peril was past ; 
The great globe itself could not crush such a man. 
Like an Atlas to bear, he still moves in the van. 



' Dr. Robley Dunglison, 179S-1S69, Professor, Jefferson Medical College. 

'Dr. Robert Maskell Tatterson, 17S7-1854, Vice-Provost and Professor, University of 
Pennsylvania. 

5 Mordecai D. Lewis, merchant of Philadelphia. 

< John Vaughan, "at four score and five," 1756-1841, Librarian of American Philo- 
sophical Society. 

* Thomas Nuttall, 1786-1S59, Harvard, Professor of Natural History. 

" Henry Troth, 1794-1S42, merchant. 

' Ldward Coles, 17S6-1S68, Governor of Illinois, Private Secretary to President Madison. 

« Nicholas Biddle, 17S6- 1S44, President and Director of United States Bank. 



■^riici.: , n ..._ 



^Vi^lilI■ l';irlv Curd. Ilivitiilidii ol Nirli.ihis liiddir, November 22, ls:!ii. 



WEDNESDAY 



.^Vmiy^, -_^^,,si; 



/,V 



{ 



' •//////'/ // 



/ y'- 



/ 



/'I' 



'i^aB ■ ^ - 

Wednesday Evening Party Card, as nsed Ijy Members. 



'T 






-■J\ 






-.y^^ ^-^f',, 



Nov. -Ilh. 
■ Uth. 



JoilN VaUOIUN. 

J.ii M. 



^^V " IHlli. Fked'k. IIrdwn. 



-r 



-^^^ 



-Dec. 2iul. Kicirn. Petkr-*. 

^ •' IHti. , Jijjjx J. Smith. Jk- 

_^ *• Ifiih. J.u'OD Smdlr, Jk. 

J.H.IIkadfobd.M.D. 

Jai>. 11. ISUERSOLL. 



inn. aoih. Isaac Elliott. ^^ 

" 27th. S. C;. MoBTos, M. D.- 

Feb. 3rd. Wm. Morrmov. ^_ 

" 10th. T. D. MrTTER, M. D. \X- 

" I7th. Joa. R. CnANDLEK. 



" 24Ui. 
Mar. 3rd. 



Edw'd. Pesi\ct!)4. 
Hensv Troth. 



^^^c<^a^^- 



r 



•■ .10Ui. 
Jan. flUl. 



lOth. John White. *■* 



I7lh. 
24th. 



Taos. SuLLT. 

W». M. MEKEDITtl. •* 



I. R. Jackw»-. 



" 31st. Jaii.\ ('. Mo?iT(io»ERV 



p 



If the evening fixed for any nicml>er in wisheil lo be chaii«rc(l by 
i htm, h& ifltomakethcamngcnicnl with some otln-r nu-mUr to cxrhnii:;? 
I with him. I 

; Any atrang^tjh^ but no dtizeiu, can Iw mlroducrj by the other 
nicmb*Ts. 



We'inesilay Ewiiin.i; I'arlies. Season 1840-41. 
Notice to Hosts for Kveniiig Dates. 



HENRY TROTH. 23 



The dignified, light-moving fomi I behold 
Of the_/«<4'-c,' as a scholar, a jurist extolled; 
A statesman revered, of the Washington school. 
Always true to its precept, the people should rule, 
But rule through the laws themselves have decreed, 
And firm in the right when traitors should bleed. 
Columbia still hails thee with pride in her eye. 
And thy song will be echoed till freedom shall die." 

In 1820 the firm of Henry Troth & Co. invested a portion 
of their profits in an iron furnace at Pine Creelc, Lycoming 
County, Pennsylvania, placing their half-brother, James Dixon, 
and Leven H. Jackson in control, but the experiment did not 
succeed. 

In 1824 Henry Troth was elected a member of Common 
Council of Philadelphia and served nine years, four of these 
as President of the body. The published result of the elec- 
tion of October, 1827, shows that he received on the Federal 
Republican Ticket the highest number of votes of the twenty 
chosen, to wit: Henry Troth, Joshua Percival, Ephraim 
Haines, Benjamin Jones, Jr., Jonathan Fell, Charles Johnson, 
William Gerhard, Robert Ralston, Jr., Francis G. Smith, 
William Rawle, Samuel Norris, Benjamin Tilghman, Joseph 
Donaldson, Caleb P. Wayne, W. M. Walmsley, Coleman 
Fisher, John H. Linn, George Weaver, E. W. Keyser, and 
John C. Lowber. As a member of Council, which in those 
days met weekly in the evening, he served with conspicuous 
industry, advocating needed improvements and economical 
lesrislation. He was a Trustee of Girard College with as- 
sociates at the time of the corner-stone laying, July 4, 1833, 
Nicholas Biddle, John Swift, Joseph R. Ingersoll, George B. 
Wood, Thomas McEuen, William H. Keating, Richard Price, 
Benjamin W. Richards, Thomas Dunlap, Charles Bird, Joseph 

^ Judge Joseph Hopkinson, 1 770-1842, author of " Hail Columbia." 



24 HENRY TROTH. 



Mcllvaine, George W. Toland, John M. Keagy, William M. 
Meredith, Algernon S. Roberts, John Steele, and John C. 
Stocker. 

In 1837 The Bank of the United States, chartered by- 
Congress, had this Directorate : 

Matthew L. Bevan, President. Samuel Jaudon, Cashier. 

Directors : 

Matthew L. Bevan, Nathan Dunn, 

Alexander Henry, John A. Brown, 

Richard Williams, John Beyland, Jr., 

Henry Platt, Henry Troth, 

Thomas Cadwalader, James C. Fisher, 

Robert Ralston, Thomas H. Perkins, of Mass., 

Edward Coleman, Robert Lenox, of New York, 

Thomas Fleming, Roswell L. Colt, of New York, 

Joseph Hemphill, Robert Gilmor, of Maryland, 

William Drayton, John Potter, of South Carolina. 

From 222 Market Street, which had been both business 
place and dwelling, the drugstore was moved to the new five- 
story building which the firm erected on the adjoining lot 
westward. At this time, 1832, the store No. 224, now 630, 
was the highest building on Market Street until George W. 
Carpenter, druggist, northeast corner of Eighth, added one 
more story to his store to overtop his neighbor tradesman. 
When No. 222 was vacated the family went to live on 
Seventh Street below Market, next to the Franklin Institute, 
and in 1836 moved to No. 36 Girard Street, south side, third 
door from Twelfth, where they remained until 1852. 

This location was considered particularly desirable, as the 
street, only one square in length, avoided the usual noise of 




/T^ 



r 






A 



\ 






Z8 




^V' 







-.:^>:<r >iy/^/r^:gr6" 




?M 



Blink cil riiiteci Slates. Diitsitle tif Ki'imrt, loldcl for (iliiiR 



•^' 



I, 






i 






















S V 






V 



i.?"^ 






U 



?:>^^ K 



i 



t 



^ i 



I 






■4Mr 




^^ ^. 



^ 









n 












ff 



HENRY TROTH. 



25 



a busy thoroughfare and afforded a safe playground for chil- 
dren ; the houses were commodious five-story buildinos 
recently completed by the Stephen Girard Estate. The 
occupants were of a class that might be styled well-to-do, 
and they more or less mingled in a suburban neighborly 
way ; of the years spent at No. 36 his children have pleasant 
recollections, the associations connected with old Girard Street 
forming a delightful chapter in their lives. As boys they 
have humorous memories of " Crazy Bob," whose favorite 
way to exhibit his peculiar anatomy enabled him to cover his 
nose with his lower jaw, leaving exposed only the eyes and 
chin ; " Crazy Norah," in her combination masculine attire, 
challenging the boys to call her Queen Elizabeth, which was 
followed by stones hurled at her tormentors sheltered behind 
the tree-boxes along the pavements. The ordinary winter 
sledding was varied by an occasional ride, with a dozen or 
more fellows at the rope, of their genial friend, the venerable 
William J. Duane, who as United States Treasurer, in 1833, 
under President Jackson, refused to withdraw the Government 
deposits from the United States Bank, placing duty to his 
country above emolument of office, and compelled the Presi- 
dent to publicly discharge him rather than submissively 
forego his prerogative, and thereby gained the merited title 
of "the noblest Roman of them all" ; and again, fond mem- 
ories of the moonlight evenings with the Girard Street girls 
on the smaller sleds. They also call to mind the eccentric 
George Mundy, with his flowing locks, who, having parted 
with his hat to a hatless poor man, scorned aught but 
nature's headgear, and occasionally gave a temperance lec- 
ture in front of Doctor Ducachet's dwelling- denouncino- the 
worthy rector of St. Stephen's Church for failing to preach 
and practice total abstinence. Recollection is crowded with 
memories of the many joyous pastimes of the Girard Street 



26 HENRY TROTH. 



boys, the Hustons, Livingstons, Nisbets, Wagers, Platts, 
Troths, Dunglisons, Ewings, Thayer, Sheetz, Ellet, Chase, 
Richards, Clement, Freeman, Lewis, Totten, Griffits, Duane, 
and the Pancoasts from Chestnut Street. This Httle street, 
only one square long, with its forty houses, for twenty years 
from its inception covered the home-life of many men promi- 
nent in city affairs. Benjamin W. Richards, Mayor of Phila- 
delphia in 1S30, and Robert T. Conrad, in 1854; Rev. Henry 
W. Ducachet, of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Rev. John 
Chambers, the noted defender of the Presbyterian faith, and 
Rev. Thomas Hoge ; Judges Edward King and M. Russell 
Thayer ; Lawyers, Richard Peters, Charles J. Ingersoll, Con- 
stant Guillou, Henry G. Freeman, Morton P. Henry, and 
others ; college professors, J. Robley Dunglison and Robert 
M. Huston, of Jefferson Medical, and Henry Vethake, of the 
University of Pennsylvania ; Directors of the United States 
Bank and Bank of the United States, William J. Duane, 
Peter Wager, Henry Ewing, Foster G. Crutcher, and Henry 
Troth ; Charles Ellet, Jr., civil engineer, constructor of the 
wire suspension bridge over the Schuylkill River at Callow- 
hill Street and President of the Schuylkill Navigation Com- 
pany ; Peter Wright, founder of the shipping firm of Peter 
Wright & Sons ; Michael Hersant, French Consul ; Franklin 
Peale, of the United States Mint ; John C. Montgomery, 
Post-master General ; John Read, president of the Phila- 
delphia Bank, and many other men of note. 

Having learned by experience the value of self-culture 
and desirous of stimulating a taste for literature, Henry 
Troth with a few others in 182 1 incorporated the Appren- 
tices' Library of Philadelphia, devoting much of his time and 
means to its interests, and serving as its President from 1837 
until his death. Their Annual Report of 1843 in noticing his 
death states : " The services rendered by him to the institu- 




Old Girard Street, south side, near Twelfth Street, 1886. 



HENRY TROTH. 2 "J 

tion are written upon every page of its history, and his best 
eulooy is its success. With the fond affection of a parent he 
had watched for years over the concerns of the Library, and 
no zeal was spared by him, no personal sacrifice tliought too 
great, if he could thereby add to the popularity or usefulness 
of the institution. He brought to its service a mind familiar 
with the wants of the apprentice, for he had been an appren- 
tice, and his warmest sympathies were always active to make 
it minister to their improvement and happiness. He has 
departed from us, but the remembrance of his virtues, his 
services, and his worth will long dwell with the Apprentices' 
Library. By order of the Board, 

Philip Garrett, Chairman pro tan. 

The masterpiece of work done by Henry Troth was his 
part in establishing one of the notable institutions of this 
city, "The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy." It was the 
first pharmaceutical college in the world with the exception 
of a small one at Berlin. Edward Parrish, one of its pro- 
fessors, in a discourse read at the opening of the new College 
Hall on October 7, 1868, gives this history of its inception : 

"It must have been in the first or second month of the 
year 1821 that Peter K. Lehman, one of the old school of 
Philadelphia druggists, whose business was located on the 
south side of Market Street below Tenth, called in one day, 
as was his wont, at the store of his neighbor, Henry Troth, 
then a thriving wholesale druggist on Market below Seventh, 
and the two worthy druggists had a conversation of no litde 
interest to us, as it seems to have led to the establishment of 
this College of Pharmacy. Their talk grew out of the fact 
that the Trustees and Faculty of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania had but recently determined to extend their sphere of 
operations by teaching and graduadng young apothecaries 



28 HENRY TROTH. 



and giving to the more respectable already established a title 
of honor corresponding somewhat to that of Doctor of Medi- 
cine conferred upon physicians. The University did indeed 
proceed so far as to confer the degree of Master of Pharmacy 
upon sixteen of the apothecaries in the city, and one or more 
of these trading in the immediate neighborhood paraded this 
newly acquired title upon sign boards and in the City Direc- 
tory to the great disgust of competitors. The project of 
teaching the apprentices in the stores at the rather unsuitable 
and very unreasonable lectures in the University met with no 
favor on the occasion I have alluded to. 'Henry, this wont 
do,' said Peter Lehman, ' the University has no right to be 
taking away our boys at noon to make them M. P.'s.' " 

Henry Troth was a man of ideas, a man of enterprise, 
and the indiirnation of his neighbor and customer at this 
assumption of the doctors to teach, examine, and perhaps in 
some degree to suborn the independent guild of druggists, 
gave rise to the inquiry, " Why can't we have an institution 
of our own, train our own apprentices, and ourselves supervise 
the qualifications of those seeking admission to our ranks ?" 
The sueeestion seemed both timely and wise, and the two 
friends, full of their new idea, sallied forth to wake up their 
neighbors to its importance. The story goes that they called 
on some of the wholesale druggists, being generally men of 
some wealth and enterprise, not forgetting the retailers, how- 
ever, as having most interest in the matter. They were the 
right men for the work. All they called on excepting one or 
two prospective Masters of Pharmacy took hold at once ; so 
a meeting was called. The minutes of this meeting begin 
thus : " At a meeting of the Druggists and Apothecaries of 
the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, held at Carpenters' 
Hall, February 23rd, 1821, agreeable to notice, Stephen 
North was called to the chair and Peter Williamson was 



HENRY TROTH. 29 



appointed Secretary. Two sets of resolutions were offered, 
and those proposed by Henry Troth were adopted. They 
respectfully set forth that the method proposed by the 
Trustees of the University is not suited to correcting the 
abuses in the drug- and apothecary business, and direct the 
appointment of a committee to report on the subject to a 
future meeting. This committee consisted of nine persons, 
as follows: Samuel Jackson, Daniel B. Smith, Robert Milnor, 
Peter Williamson, Stephen North, Henry Troth, Samuel 
Biddle, Charles Allen, and Frederick Brown. . . . 

"The present sketch would, however, be very incomplete 
without a notice of Henry Troth, already spoken of in connec- 
tion with the first steps taken toward the organization of the 
druggists and apothecaries of the city. He was born in Tal- 
bot County, Marj'land, and was placed in the drugstore of 
Jeremiah Morris, on the north side of Market Street below 
Eighth. Near the close of the war (181 2-1 6) he embarked 
in business, and by industry and economy reached success. 
He was a leading spirit in the college for more than twenty 
years ; for thirteen years Vice-President at a time when the 
President was seldom in attendance, he presided at the meet- 
ings with dignity and impartiality. He was seldom absent 
from his post, and at his death in 1842 strong testimony was 
placed on the records of the College to his high moral worth 
combined with kindness and courtesy of manner and many 
estimable traits of character. It may not be uninteresting as 
illustrating the progress of the times to note his agency in the 
introduction of gas for illumination into our city. He was 
for nine years a member of the Common Council and four 
years its President. The project of lighting the city with gas 
met with many objections. Henry Troth urged the improve- 
ment strongly, but it was only successful when, contrary to 
his judgment, a company was chartered for the purpose, 



30 HENRY TROTH. 



which, after erecting the works and laying the pipes, sold out 
to the city at an advance of twenty-five per cent. . . . 

" Henry Troth was one of the first in Philadelphia to burn 
anthracite coal in a grate which was in his parlor over the 
store. About the year 1819 his grate was erected, but it was 
taken down and rebuilt several times before the intractable 
'stone coal' would burn satisfactorily. Many incredulous 
ones who called to see the experiment went away discour- 
aged because they said they could not supply fresh air as he 
had done by a hole through the hearth. Samuel F. Troth, 
the younger brother and partner of Henry, who I shall have 
occasion to mention again in the course of my narrative, has 
given attention to its affairs for forty-six years with a con- 
stancy and regularity unequalled by any of his colleagues, 
and it is due to his own retiring character that he is not now 
as formerly a recipient of its honors as he is of its thanks 
and grateful acknowledgments for services rendered." 

In Volume 2, January, 1831, No. 4, of the College, is this ; 
"Address delivered to the Graduates by Henry Troth, Esq., 
one of the Vice-Presidents of the Philadelphia College of 
Pharmacy, at the Annual Commencement of the College, 
October, 1830," some extracts from which may give an in- 
siafht to the character of thought and action which enabled 
this man to attain success within a short span of years. 
"The morbid desire of making money rapidly impels many 
to undersell their competitors in trade, and the effort to 
monopolize a large share of business by obtaining the char- 
acter of selling goods cheaper than others is powerful in its 
influence, and leads too many into the evil and reprehensible 
custom of purchasing and vending inferior and inert medi- 
cines. To remedy these evils and the abuses incident to the 
business ; to diffuse the knowledge of pharmacy and its col- 
lateral branches ; to encourage long and regular apprentice- 



HENRY TROTH. 



31 



ships and to elevate the character of our pharmaciens by 
honorable and manly views of the duties incumbent upon 
them ; to attain such praiseworthy objects by a union of effort 
the College of Pharmacy was instituted. The first of its 
kind on the American Continent, it has encountered peculiar 
difficulties and discouragements. The scoffs and jeers of its 
open enemies ; the apathy and indifference of its friends ; 
the lukewarmness of its members, some of whom, well calcu- 
lated to aid and advance its interests, giving way to petty and 
unworthy jealousies, have shrunk from usefulness, while 
others with good intentions have suffered their zeal for its 
cause to slumber, and have too often let triflino- eno-agrements 
interfere with attendance on the discharo-e of their duties as 
its members. These and other causes have at times re- 
tarded its progress, yet its course, though sometimes slow, 
has been progressively onward. It has already accomplished 
much, and much remains for it to encounter and perform. 
And who is there to say that it will shrink from the dischar^-e 
of the duties devolving upon it, or that its movements will 
ever be retrograde ? I for one will never believe it. Nay, 
it may be safely predicted that, aided by its graduates, to 
whom it looks for zealous, active, and enlightened support, 
its future progress will greatly exceed the most sanguine 
calculations of its friends and founders. It remains for me 
in conclusion to declare in the name of the Philadelphia 
College of Pharmacy that Dilw^'n Parrish, Charles D. Hendry, 
Edward Brooks, and Isaac Jones Smith are graduates in the 
College, and to present to each the diploma of the institution." 

Extract from an address delivered by Joseph Carson, M. D., 
Professor of Materia Medica and Pharmacy, to the graduates 
of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, April 15, 1846: 

" But I am again impelled to call up commingled recollec- 
tions of pain and pleasure inseparably connected with this 



32 



HENRY TROTH. 



school of pharmacy. An individual once a member of our 
body, prominent with others, was among the first in his en- 
deavors to promote its successful establishment. In this 
country it was a new and untried undertaking, but the 
success with which it has been crowned has long since clearly 
exhibited the advantages expected by its founders. A fore- 
sight of the future, an anticipation of the growing wants of 
the profession, the necessity of preparation to meet the de- 
mands of the community, originated the enterprise. But it 
required unceasing vigilance, inexhaustible perseverance, 
widespread influence, and unwearied personal attention. For 
all these our lamented Vice-President Troth was distin- 
guished ; he boldly took his stand in favor of improvement, 
and no difficulties drove him from his path, no disappoint- 
ment diminished the firmness of his determination to accom- 
plish it. His hope was high, and he had the faculty of 
infusing it into all within his circle. His manly bearing, his 
practical intelligence, his tones of encouragement and decided 
liberality communicated power, and it was wielded for the 
advancement of this his favorite project." 

At a meetinor of the Board of Trustees of the Philada. 
College of Pharmacy, held 6th month, 20th, 1842, it was 
unanimously — 

''Resolved, That we have learned with deep regret the 
demise of our late fellow-member, Henry Troth, Esq., one 
of the founders of this College, and who for so long a time 
and so ably fulfilled the duties of Chief Officer of this Board. 

" Resolved, That a copy of the above Resolution be trans- 
mitted to the family of the deceased." 

From the minutes of the Board of Trustees of the Phila. 
College of Pharmacy, Phila., 6 rno., 30th, 1842. 

Ambrose Smith, Secretary. 



HENRY TROTH. 33 



At a stated meeting of the Philada. College of Pharmacy, 
held at their Hall on the evening of 27th instant, the follow- 
ing Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

" It is with feelings of deep regret that we announce to 
the Colleg:e the decease of our late estimable 
" Vice-President, Henry Troth. 

" Previous to the existence of the Philada. College of 
Pharmacy he was impressed with the many advantages that 
would result from the Druggists and Apothecaries of this city 
co-operating in the establishment of such an institution. His 
early labours attest the leading part which he took as one of 
its founders, and the untiring energy of his mind was devoted 
to its interests until removed by death from the station of 
honour and usefulness he held among us. 

" For thirteen years Henry Troth presided over our meet- 
ings as Vice-President, seldom if ever known to be absent 
except from sickness or absence from the city. The deep 
interest he felt for the prosperity of the College was mani- 
fested by the faithful discharge of all his duties as an officer 
and member. 

''Resolved, That his high moral worth, his many estimable 
traits of character, and his kindness and courtesy of manner 
secured for him the warm personal friendship and respect of 
the members individually. 

"■Resolved, That we record this short notice of our minutes 
as a slight tribute of affectionate regard to his memory. 

" Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to forward a 
copy of the same to his bereaved family accompanied by 
the Resolutions passed at a late meeting of the Board of 
Trustees." 

Charles Ellis. 

Philadelphia, 6 mo., 28th, 1842. 



34 



HENRY TROTH. 



" Respected Friend : — 

" By a resolution of the Philada. College of Pharmacy, 
adopted at their last meeting, I was directed as Secretary on 
that occasion to enclose to thyself and family a copy of the 
proceedings of the College in relation to our late lamented 
Vice-President, Henry Troth. 

" Few institutions, if any, among the many with which his 

name was associated, feel more keenly his loss than ours, or 

do more sincerely sympathize with his family under this 

afflicting bereavement." 

Very respectfully, 

To Henrietta Troth. Charles Ellis, 

On behalf of the Phila. College of Pharmacy. 

Philadelphia, 6 mo., 28th, 1842. 

In an article written for the Philadelphia Press in the early 
seventies by John F. Graff over the nom-de-plume of '' Gray- 
beard," he describes a visit to Laurel Hill Cemetery and 
says, "A short distance from the spot last referred to is the 
resting-place of Henry Troth, marked by a modest tomb. 
Like many others in the history of our young Republic, he 
conquered the difficulties which beset him by his own un- 
tramelled energies. Endowed with good natural powers, he 
rose to honorable distinction in his profession as a druggist ; 
and in his day was known as one of the most useful and 
efficient members of Councils. His life beautifully exempli- 
fied the wisdom of building upon integrity and usefulness as 
a private citizen rather than courting the empty honors of 
place for the mere sake of position. Mr. Troth died greatly 
esteemed for his sterling worth as a man by a large circle of 
friends." 

Extract from the Minutes of the Board of Managers of the 
Schuylkill Navigation Company, May 25, 1842 : 



HENRY TROTH. 35 



'^ Resolved, That this Board receive with profound regret 
the information of the decease of their esteemed fellow- 
member, Henry Troth, and record their sense of his valuable 
services as a member of this community at large and of the 
fidelity with which he discharged for a long period his duties 
as a member of this Board." 

C. Harper, Secretary. 

At a stated meeting of the Board of Managers of the 
House of Refuge, held on Tuesday, the seventh day of June, 
1842, the Secretary announced to the Board the death of 
Henry Troth, Esquire, a Manager of the institution. Where- 
upon the following Resolutions were unanimously adopted, 
viz. : 

" Resolved, That in the death of Henry Troth the House 
of Refuge has lost an active, judicious, and ardent friend, and 
the Managers a valued and esteemed associate. 

" Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to con- 
vey to the family of Mr. Troth the sincere sympathy of this 
Board for their afflicting loss. 

" The Chair appointed Messrs. Cope, Barclay, and Patter- 
son the committee." 

From the Minutes. 
James J. Barclay, Secretary. 

" The melancholy duty has devolved on us to convey to 
you the enclosed resolution of the Managers of the House 
of Refuge. 

"To their tribute of respect for the memory of our valued 
deceased friend we must be permitted to add our heartfelt 
condolence for the irreparable bereavement which his family 
have sustained by this afflicting dispensation of an allwise 
Providence. 



36 HENRY TROTH. 



" Having long been associated with Henry Troth in the 
labours and duties of the House of Refuge, we bear willing 
testimony to the ardent zeal, intelligence, and effect with 
which he served the institution. 

" Your sincere and sympathizing friends, 

June 8, 1842. 

Thos. p. Cope, -i 
lo the ramily of , , „ I ^ . ,. 

u -r u James J. Barclay, V Committee. 

Henry 1 roth. i n ( 

•' Jos. rATTERSON, J 

In their domestic life he and his wife soon gained a repu- 
tation among relatives and friends of keeping open-house 
with traditional Maryland hospitality, and especially at the 
annual convocation of the Friends Society the Girard Street 
home would be filled for a week with his Southern cousins. 
Hardly past middle age, an acute physical indisposition 
finally attacked the lungs, and a hemorrhage terminated his 
life May 22, 1842. 

He died leaving an ample estate, which enabled the 
household to be continued on the same liberal basis already 
established. His helpmeet, the partner of his short-lived 
manhood, was a notable woman with a fine sense of duty and 
a gentle disciplinarian ; with a disposition schooled to self- 
denial, her happiness was mirrored in the smiles of her chil- 
dren, and her long life, measured by over four score years, 
was devoted to the interests of others. After her children 
had reached an age that relieved her from the ordinary con- 
finement of home duties, she became interested in the man- 
agement of the Foster Home of Philadelphia, an institution 
for the care of children, and for several years served as 
President of the Board of Lady Managers. The colored 
department of the House of Refuge also, with co-opera- 
tive and individual charities, filled the measure of a busy 
womanhood. 



HENRY TROTH. 2>1 



WILL OF WILLIAM TROTH, 

THE IMMIGRANT ANCESTOR OF HENRY TROTH. 

I WILLIAM TROTH of Talbot County in the province 
of Maryland, planter being sick and weak in body but in 
perfect mind and memory, blessed be All Mighty God for it, 
do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament hereby 
revoking and by these presents annuling and making void 
all and every Will and Wills formerly by me made and being 
sensible of the uncertainty of this life and well knowing that 
the Lord in his good time and pleasure will remove me hence 
and that all flesh must yield to death yielding to his heavenly 
will soul, body and spirit in a sense of his everlasting love in 
and through his son Christ Jesus, the light of the world and 
my Redeemer and my body to be decently buried according 
to the discretion of my Executors hereafter named and the 
advice of my friends commonly called Quakers and as 
touching all such temporal estate as it hath pleased God to 
bestow on me, I give and bequeath and dispose of in manner 
and form following : 

Imprimis, My Will is that all my just debts and funeral 
charges be first paid and satisfied. 

Item — I give to my son George Troth all that tract or 
parcel of land called Colesbanks and also the other tract of 
land called Colesbanks Addition both lying on Choptank 
River in Queen Anns County. 

Item — I give unto my son Henry Troth all that tract of 
land called Actons Neck containing three hundred acres, also 
one other tract of land called Actons Addition containing 



38 HENRY TROTH. 



fifty-seven acres also one half of a tract of land called Troths 
Security containing one hundred and nine acres. I give and 
bequeath to my said son Henry Troth all that tract of land 
called Troths Fortune containing four hundred acres. 

Item — I give and bequeath to my daughter Catharine 
Sharp one tract of land in Dorchester County called Moor- 
fields containing three hundred acres ; also one other tract 
of land in said county called Moorfields Addition containing 
two hundred acres. 

Item — I give and bequeath to my daughter Judith Troth 
one tract of land called Troths Addition containine one 
hundred acres and also fifty acres of land called Jamaca. I 
give also to my daughter Troth two hundred acres of land 
which I bought of William and James Edmondson being part 
of Mount Hope in Talbot County. 

Item — A tract of land which I bought of William Jones in 
Queen Anns County to be equally divided between my three 
children, viz. : Henry Troth, Judith Troth, and Catharine 
Sharp. 

Item — I give and bequeath to my grandson William Lewis 
one tract of land (240 acres) called Newington in Queen 
Anns County on Choptank River. 

He names also son-in-law Charles Lewis and grandchil- 
dren William Lewis, Fortune Lewis, Ann Lewis, and Eliza- 
beth Lewis. 

Exec, are son-in-law Peter Sharp and children Henry Troth 
and Judith Troth. Will dated November, i, 1709, and proven 
November 6, 1710. 

Line of descent of Henry Troth : William Troth and 
Isabel ; Henry Troth and Elizabeth Johns ; Henry Troth and 
Sarah Paschall ; Samuel Troth and Ann Berry ; Henry Troth 
and Henrietta Henri. 



HENRY TROTH. 39 



"Philadelphia, Jan'y 8th, 1820. 
" Gentlemen : — 

"As we are accustomed, on occasions like the present, to 
call around us some of our friends to participate in revering 
the virtues and commemorating tlie worth of departed talent, 
and your society being associated on principles and for 
purposes similar to our own, we beg leave on behalf of the 
Franklin Association to present you our best respects ; and 
request the favour of your company at our approaching 
anniversary of the birth of Franklin, in the lower room of 
the Washington Hall, on the evening of Monday the 17th 
instant. 

" With our best wishes for your welfare, we remain your 
very obedient serv'ts, 

Aquila Bolton, 
Alex. M. Gau, 
John Fagan, 
Algernon S. Roberts, 
John Loud, 

"To the President & members of the Philada. Literary 
Association." 



Committee 
' of Arranorem'ts. 



" The Committee of Arrangements, by the particular desire 
of General LaFayette, request the honour of Mr. Henry 
Troth's company — to dine with the General at the Mansion 
House, on Monday next, at 5 p. m. 

" By order, 
"J. S. Lewis, OflzW«a»." 

Saturday, 2d Oct., 1824. 



40 



HENRY TROTH. 



"Philada., April 15, 1834. 
" Sir :— 

" On the part of the young men of the City and County of 
Philadelphia, we request the honour of your company at the 
dinner to Mr. Preston at the Washington Hall, on Friday, 
1 8th inst., at 4 p. m. 

"We have the honour to be, &c., 

John B. Myers, 
S. Robert, 
William B. Reed, 



Henrj' Troth, Esq., 

President of 
Common Council. 



Chas. B. Wainright, 
John C. Martin, 
Jos. Hanna, 
I. G. Clarkson, 



"^*42 






G 







TnK 1Ii:m;i I'amii.v. 

Mi.thi-r (KlizMlirilii aii.l Iiiu.,!;hlfiN Henrietta and EIiz,i ; Sui, W-u-i . snmll 

.MiiiiatuR' 111 tlu> Fntln-r. 
rroin a Miniatiiiv l.y ihr Kathui I' llfiiri. Ilu^haii.l ..I Klizal.rtli. 



HENRY TROTH. 41 



DESCENDANTS OF HENRY TROTH AND HENRIETTA 

HENRI. 

1. Anna Troth, married George Morrison Coates. 

2. Eliza Henri Troth, married Joseph P. H. Coates. 

3. William P. Troth, married (ist) Emma M. Thomas. 

3. William P. Troth, married (2d) Clara G. Townsend. 

4. Henry Morris Troth, died, age 18 months. 

5. Henrietta M. Troth, married Edward Y. Townsend. 

6. Louisa Troth, died, age 21 years. 

7. Henry M. Troth, married Sarah J. Remington. 

8. Edward Troth, married (1st) Elizabeth Manderson. 

8. Edward Troth, married (2d) Linda Brooks. 

9. Samuel Troth, married Anna Speakman. 

10. Emily Troth, died in infancy. 

Children of ANNA TROTH ' and GEORGE MORRISON COATES. 

11. Henry Troth Coates, married Estelle Barton Lloyd. 

12. William M. Coates, married Anne Morris Lloyd. 

13. Joseph Hornor Coates, married Elizabeth Gardner Potts. 

14. Charles H. Coates, died in infancy. 

15. Samuel Coates, died, age iS years. 

Children of ELIZA HENRI TROTH * and JOSEPH P. H. COATES. 

16. George M. Coates, Jr., married Laura Lloyd. 

17. Edward Hornor Coates, married (1st) Ella Mary Potts. 

17. Edward Hornor Coates, married (2d) Florence Earle. 

Children of WILLIAM P. TROTH' and EMMA M. THOMAS. 

18. Helen Troth, married Charles Ridgway. 

19. Anna Coates Troth, married Henry Serrill Harper. 

Children of WILLIAM P. TROTH' and CLARA G. TOWNSEND. 

20. Emily Stackhouse Troth. 

21. Henrietta Troth, died, age 5 years. 

22. Alice Gordon Troth, married John R. Drexel. 

23. Lillian Sharpless Troth, married Richard van Wyck. 

24. Mabel Troth, died, age 8 months. 

Children of HENRIETTA M. TROTH ^ and EDWARD Y. TOWNSEND. 

25. Henry Troth Townsend, married Maria Potts. 

26. John W. Townsend, married Mary Shreve Sharpe. 



42 HENRY TROTH. 



Children of HENRY M. TROTH ' and SARAH J. REMINGTON. 

27. William Penn Troth, Jr., married Theodosia Ashmead. 

28. Clement Remington Troth, married Margaret Struthers James. 

Children of EDWARD TROTH « and ELIZABETH MANDERSON. 

29. Annette Troth, died, age 12 years. 

30. Andrew Manderson Troth. 

Children of EDWARD TROTH » and LINDA BROOKS. 

31. Edward Osborne Troth. 

32. Laura Bell Troth. 

Children of SAMUEL TROTH' and ANNA SPEAKMAN. 

33. Louisa Troth, married Joseph Price, M. D. 

34. Henry Troth. 

35. Charles Speakman Troth, died, age 6 months. 

36. Emma Troth. 

37. Anna Coates Troth. 

Children of WILLIAM M. COATES" and ANNE MORRIS LLOYD. 

38. Esther Malcolm Coates, married Joseph W. Sharp, Jr. 

39. Samuel Coates, died, age 2 years. 

40. Benjamin Coates. 

41. John Lloyd Coates. 

42. Helen Laugdale Coates. 

Children of JOSEPH HORNOR COATES " and ELIZABETH G. POTTS. 

43. George Morrison Coates. 

44. Ella M. Coates. 

45. Henry Troth Coates, Jr. 

46. Beulali Coates. 

47. Anna Coates. 

48. Joseph Collins Coates. 

49. Josiah Langdale Coates, died in infancy. 

50. Sydney Coates. 

51. Sherman Gardner Coates. 

Children of GEORGE M. COATES, Jr.," and LAURA LLOYD. 

52. Elisa H. Coates, married William Marbaury Nelson. 

53. Elinor Percy Coates, married Francis Macomb Cresson. 

54. Mary Coates. 

55. Malcolm Vernon Coates. 

56. Laura Lloyd Coates. 

57. Edward Osborne Coates. 

Child of EDWARD HORNOR COATES" and FLORENCE EARLE. 

58. Josephine Wisner Coates, died in infancy. 



HENRY TROTH. 43 



Child of HELEN TROTH'S and CHARLES RIDGWAY. 

59. Anna Troth Ridgway. 

Children of ANNA COATES TROTH " and HENRY SERRILL HARPER. 

60. Helen Harper, died in infancy. 

61. Anna Harper, died young. 

62. Alice Harper, married Thomas B. Phillips, of England. 

Children of ALICE GORDON TROTH" and JOHN R. DREXEL. 

63. Lillian Male Drexel, died, age 5 years. 

64. John R. Drexel, Jr. 

65. Alice Gordon Drexel. 

66. Gordon Preston Drexel. 

Children of HENRY TROTH TOWNSEND^' and MARIA POTTS. 

67. Grace Townsend, died in infancy. 
6S. Helen Townsend, died, age 2 years. 

69. Edward Y. Townsend, Jr. 

70. Ethel Townsend. 

71. Marie Louise Townsend. 

72. Henrietta T. Townsend. 

Children of JOHN ^V. TOWNSEND «« and MARY SHREVE SHARPE. 

73. Charles Sliarpe Townsend. 

74. Edith Townsend. 

75. John W. Townsend, Jr. 

76. Stockton Townsend. 

77. Roger Raynham Townsend. 

78. Richard Lawrence Townsend. 

Children of CLEMENT R. TROTH ^s and MARGARET S. JAME& 

79. Herbert Walter Troth. 

80. Henry Morris Troth. 

Si. William Penn Troth (3d). 

82. Helen Struthers Troth. 

83. Margaret Struthers Troth. 

Children of LOUISA TROTH " and JOSEPH PRICE, M. D. 

84. Marian Emily Walton Price. 

85. Phebe Moore Price. 

86. Joseph Price, Jr. 

87. Louise Troth Price. 

88. Anna Edith Price. 

89. Henry Troth Price. 

90. Richard Preston Price. 



44 HENRY TROTH. 



Children of ESTHER MALCOLM COAXES »« and JOSEPH W. SHARP, Jr. 

91. Joseph W. Sharp (3d). 

92. Anne Coates Sharp. 

93. Estelle Lloyd Sharp. 

Child of ELISA PL COATES" and WILLIAM MARBAURY NELSON. 

94. Cleland Kinloch Nelson. 

Child of ELINOR PERCY COATES" and FRANCIS MACOMB CRESSON. 

95. George Vaux Cresson. 

Child of ALICE HARPER" and THOMAS B. PHILLIPS. 

96. Charles Douglass Phillips. 



DEC 15 



